IGP Disu Unleashes Controversial 'Shoot-on-Sight' Order on Illegal Firearm Carriers

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a stringent directive empowering police officers across Nigeria to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms. This declaration marks a significant shift, as the police will no longer tolerate the unchecked movement of armed individuals throughout the country. This directive is an integral part of renewed efforts by the Federal Government to combat the escalating insecurity, especially in Benue State, a region severely affected by repeated attacks from armed groups that have resulted in numerous fatalities, displacement of communities, and extensive property destruction.

IGP Disu announced this critical order on Friday during a stakeholders' meeting convened at the Government House in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. He clarified that this directive stems from President Bola Tinubu's explicit instruction that the persistent insecurity and killings plaguing Benue State must be decisively brought to an end. The Inspector-General underscored that only duly authorized security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, emphatically stating that the era of passive policing has concluded. “You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” the IGP declared.

Furthermore, Disu revealed that police officers have been explicitly empowered under Force Order 237 to respond decisively to armed threats without needing to await clearance or directives from superior officers. He emphasized, “We have given them instructions. We have a Force Order 237. Police officers have been instructed that they don’t need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms.” The IGP conveyed the gravity of the situation, adding, “We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow. They have been instructed to shoot at sight. They have been trained to do what is necessary. But we will not succeed without the cooperation of all of you.”

The Inspector-General appealed to residents of Benue State and Nigerians at large to provide credible and timely intelligence to support security agencies. He stressed that public cooperation remains paramount for effectively curbing armed criminality and restoring peace across the nation. While acknowledging the empowerment of security agencies to take decisive action against armed criminals, Disu highlighted that intelligence from the public would significantly enhance the effectiveness of these security operations.

In recent months, Benue State has consistently been one of Nigeria's most severely impacted states by violent attacks. Armed groups have repeatedly invaded communities, causing deaths, displacing thousands of residents, and devastating homes, farmlands, and other vital property. This fresh directive comes amid growing public concern over the deteriorating security situation in the North-Central state and increasing calls for more robust government action to halt the bloodshed and instability.